English conversation B1 (Fontys students)

Cursuscode: TEN931

About the course

This English conversation course is an ideal opportunity for students in higher education who want to improve and practise communication skills. The main idea is to focus on the students’ ability to express themselves in everday situations by exploring contemporary topics of interest and current news items.Specific goals are help with learning • to speak more confidently;• to communicate more clearly; • to use phrases that improve fluency in English.

Speaking practice is offered through the use of active learning techniques including prepared talks, spontaneous discussions, groupwork and pair exercises.

Only English is spoken in class, except for some explanation in Dutch when necessary. We will not use a coursebook.

Although primarily a conversation course, students are encouraged to perform small writing tasks such as making notes to prepare for individual speaking turns and group activities.

Required competence level For successful participation students must have a good basic competence in speaking and writing English and an ability to understand fairly straightforward listening and reading.

The required competence level is B1, known as pre-intermediate and equal to secondary education at havo/mbo-4 level.

If you are not sure about your competence level, you can test yourself at DIALANG. https://dialangweb.lancaster.ac.uk/Should your test results be significantly lower than A2/pre-intermediate, this course is not suitable for you to attend. Basic grammar and vocabulary will not be taught or practised in class. Only if you have test results, you may contact the teacher for advice on participation.

Practical information:Course length: 10 classes of 90 minutes at most per lessonDay: ThursdayPeriod: February 21th 2018 - May 23th 2019There will be no class on March 7th and 28th, April 4th and May 2nd.Teacher: ms E.M.C.P. van den Hurk, ilse.emcp@gmail.comLocation: Fontys, building R1, room R1.0227.Time: 6.15 p.m. – 7.45 p.m.

Additional course requirements

This course is particularly meant for Fontys students.

Students are expected to: • Attend 80% of classes; • Give at least one individual presentation in class; • Prepare homework assignments; • Participate constructively in group activities; • Take responsibility for their own learning process.

Group size and timely registrationFor effective conversation lessons a number of 8 to 12 participants is preferred, allowing for sufficient speaking opportunities and individualized feedback in class.

Registration is possible until maximum number of participants (12) is reached. Closing date for registration is February 1st for the course starting February 14th.